Created by the authors for the SOWH and Orthopedic Section of the APTA, the new document presents a clinical practice guideline for physical therapy management for PGP in the antepartum population. The lead author is Susan C. Clinton, PT, DScPT, COMT, OCS, WCS, FAAOMPT, of Embody Physiotherapy & Wellness, LLC, Sewickley, Pa.

Pelvic girdle pain is estimated to occur in up to 70 percent of women sometime during pregnancy. Women with PGP develop pain in the pelvic region, which sometimes brings changes in posture, gait, and activity level. These symptoms can cause significant impairment in several areas of patients' lives.

Symptoms of PGP may be severe in 20 percent of women, and in some cases may persist after delivery. Physical therapists play an important role in assessment and management of women with patients with PGP during and after pregnancy.

The new guideline makes recommendations for physical therapy management in key areas. Recommendations are ranked by strength of supporting evidence and address specific categories of impairment based on body function, body structure, and activities/participation. Topics include:

Risk factors. Based on strong evidence, risk factors for the development of or more severe PGP include previous pregnancy, orthopedic dysfunction (such as hip and/or leg dysfunction), increased body mass index, and smoking. Risk is also higher for patients with work dissatisfaction and those who don't believe that their condition will improve.

Clinical course. Several factors can help to identify women who will have persistent problems. These include PGP developing early in pregnancy, multiple pain locations, and abnormal results on multiple physical therapy assessments.

Examination and diagnosis. The guideline highlights the importance of recognizing other pregnancy-related conditions that may appear similar to PGP. Important clinical tests and outcome questionnaires for assessing women with PGP are identified as well.

Physical therapy interventions. Physical therapy recommendations for PGP may include the use of a support belt, exercise programs, or manual therapy techniques. Yet so far there is only weak or conflicting evidence to support these recommendations. While strong evidence shows that women with PGP are at high risk of falls, there is little evidence on measures to assess balance or reduce the risk of falls, including activity limitations.

The authors believe their research review and evidence-based guideline will provide a useful guide to diagnosis, management, and outcomes assessment for the common problem of PGP, with interventions guided by the individual patient's physical impairment. Susan Clinton adds, "The creation of this guideline also has a very important role in informing research where evidence is sparse in the literature."

Article: "Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Antepartum Population: Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health From the Section on Women's Health and the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association" (doi: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000081)

About Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy

Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy (JWHPT) is the official publication of the Section on Women's Health of the American Physical Therapy Association. JWHPT is a peer reviewed publication focused on the clinical interests of physical therapists practicing in women's health as well as those of other health care providers who interface with physical therapists in the health care of women.

About Section on Women's Health

The Section on Women's Health of the American Physical Therapy Association is a professional association of nearly 3,000 physical therapists treating patients with pelvic and abdominal health issues worldwide. Members provide the latest evidence-based physical therapy services to everyone from childbearing women to peri-menopausal mothers, young athletes to men with incontinence or other pelvic health complications.

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